Consul General of Sri Lanka, DW Jinadasa has said that Pakistan and Sri Lanka are working to expand bilateral trade to service sector. Speaking at a meeting of Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) here on Tuesday, he said at present bilateral trade between the two countries was restricted to goods, saying that there is a need to expend it to service sector as well.
He underlined the need of frequent exchange of delegation and quick dissemination of information relating to trade, investment and service sector. He advised business community to participate in trade exhibitions being held time to time in each other countries to introduce products and develop contact with the concerned people.
The consul general invited Pakistani businessmen to participate in herbal exhibition being held in Colombo in June 2011 The Lankan envoy said the two countries have huge potential in different sectors.
KCCI leadership observed that Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been signed between the two countries. However, more work is required on both sides to fully implement this very important agreement, they added. The visiting diplomat agreed to the observations. President KCCI Muhammad Saeed Shafiq emphasized on further promoting the two-way trade. He invited Sri Lankan business community to participate in KCCI exhibition scheduled to be held in June 2011.
Former president KCCI Anjum Nisar stressed that bilateral trade potential needed to be exploited. Senior Vice President KCCI Talat Mahmood said that balance of trade was in favour of Pakistan, but the volume was very low against the existing huge potential. Vice President KCCI Junaid Esmail Makda urged for full implementation of FTA between the two countries.